It’s Dashain today. Dashain is one of the biggest festivals celebrated in Nepal. You may have noticed that Nepal looks more vibrant and people look more relaxed now. At this is the time of the year, family come together to celebrate. Kathmandu looks quiet right now. It is because people have gone back to their hometowns or villages. There are less vehicles on the roads because everyone is busy merrymaking and feasting at their homes. Pokhara maintains its usual atmosphere and mood, though. Pokhara still looks engaged, because of its locals. Lakeside looks even more thriving and active in the festive season. Needless to mention, this is the best season to visit Nepal. Many tourists can be seen celebrating Dashain with Nepali families.

Dashain marks the victory of good over evil, of gods over demons. We receive red or white tika (made with rice, vermillion and yogurt) on the forehead from our elders as blessings, along with green barley and corn sprouts/shoots worn behind the ear by men and on the hair bun by women. Children, clad in new clothes, run around amused because of the ‘dakshina’ (money) they get during tika. 

The Haven O’Ganga family wishes everyone a happy Dashain. We send our festive greetings to you all.

Coming up next is Tihar (Deepawali), the festival of lights. Pokhara is decorated like never before during these festivals and we are so lucky to be in Pokhara.

(The author of this post is running late to go get tika, so has stopped typing the post just here for now. Bye all – we hope to see you soon!)